Clint Barmes Talks About His Relationship With Jordy Mercer

Clint Barmes #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates fields a ground ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the game on August 30, 2013 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

BRADENTON, Fla. (93-7 The Fan) – Pirates SS Clint Barmes sat down with The Fan Morning Show at Pirates spring training this week to chat about his offseason and his work towards preparing for Opening Day.

Here is some of what he had to say:

On the dynamic of the position battle between him and Jordy Mercer:
“I think, for the most part — even last year dealing with everything — kind of splitting time and showing up every day, both of us, we were just going about our business, and not sure exactly who was going to start that day. Honestly, it was as simple as showing up every day expecting to play, being ready and preparing to play, and just taking advantage of every opportunity that we get. And honestly that’s as simple as I feel like it was for both of us.

On his relationship with Mercer:
“I love Jordy, and he’s earned every opportunity that he gets, and maybe he should be on his own. I can be real. I know when I’m struggling, I’m not swinging the bat the way that I want to be swinging it. I can’t say I like it, or I enjoy it, or that’s what I want, but obviously, with the way it worked out last year, it put us in a good spot. You step back, you continue to push, push forward, work, and try to take advantage of the opportunities when you get them.”

On their success last season:
“Last year wasn’t really a surprise. I had high expectations with the group of guys that we had coming back and the additions that we had made.”